This proposal requests funding to improve the existing flow-through seawater system at the Coastal and Marine Institute Laboratory (CMIL) of San Diego State University. The current laboratory houses marine science faculty and is a shared use facility with the U.S. Geological Survey. The proximity of CMIL to San Diego Bay, situated in an urban environment, provides opportunities for both basic and applied research. The existing seawater system has chronic problems with total suspended solids and episodic problems with lower salinity. The requested enhancements to the seawater system will provide consistent, high- quality seawater. The availability of quality seawater is vital to sustain and continue growth of research and educational activities at CMIL, providing faculty and students at SDSU and at other institutions ample opportunities and experience.
Broader Impacts
There was good integration of education at many levels from middle school through high school by way of specific high school training programs. CMIL hosts a variety of educational programs including research training of undergraduates, public open houses, middle- and high school research-training programs focusing on underrepresented minorities, teacher training workshops, etc. SDSU has excellent track record with minority education in general (top 10 of awarding degrees to Hispanics). Approximately thirty graduate students and undergraduates use the CMIL for research projects.
The purpose of this project was to implement enhancements and modifications to our seawater system at the Coastal and Marine Institute Laboratory (CMIL) on San Diego Bay. Because of problems with the amount of sediments coming through the intakes of the seawater system and due to episodic occurrences of lower salt concentrations in seawater, modifications were made to decrease the amount of sediment coming through the system, providing higher quality seawater. In addition, a computer-controlled sensor system was installed to notify users of problems with seawater system flow rates, which also identifies power outages. Two recirculating seawater systems and an aeration system were installed during emergency conditions to avoid the disruption of research and help ensure the survival of marine organisms housed at the marine laboratory. In addition to these enhancements, the Marine Ecology and Biology Student Association (MEBSA) was formed to engage in several outreach activities. An annual Open House has been established to showcase research and the seawater system to public visitors. In addition to this event, MEBSA engaged in several outreach activities, including the establishment of a CMIL Seminar Series, development of a bi-monthly newsletter to showcase research, the creation of CMIL and MEBSA web sites, and the development of exhibits and activities with K-12 students, including participation in the San Diego Science Alliance High Tech Fair and in "Making Waves", a classroom initiative focused on activities for high school and middle school students.
